Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "don't brag," but subtly highlights the credibility that comes from external praise. It implies that praise from someone else, especially a stranger who has no vested interest, carries far more weight and authenticity than anything you could ever say about yourself. True worth, the proverb suggests, is recognized and affirmed by others, not self-declared.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb sits within a collection of wisdom that encourages genuine character and humility. It’s part of a broader discussion in Proverbs about wise living, contrasting the righteous path with foolishness. The verses around it offer practical advice on relationships, managing anger, and the importance of truth, all pointing toward a life that earns authentic respect rather than seeking it through self-promotion.
Ever felt the urge to toot your own horn? The book of Proverbs has some strong thoughts on why that's usually a bad idea.
The Folly of Self-Commendation
Proverbs 27:2 is blunt: 'Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.' Think about it – when you brag about yourself, who's listening? It's like trying to convince people you're a great singer by singing yourself. It just doesn't have the same impact.
Why Self-Praise Falls Flat
It's far more impactful when others, especially those who have no personal stake in your success, recognize and speak about your good qualities or deeds.
What makes praise truly valuable? It often comes from those who aren't obligated to like you.
The Weight of a Stranger's Word
The verse specifically mentions praise from 'a stranger' as being more meaningful than your own. This isn't about seeking out anonymous critics, but about the power of unbiased testimony.
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Why a Stranger's Praise Matters
This doesn't mean we should disregard the encouragement of close friends and family. However, the Proverbs writer highlights that praise from those who have less reason to flatter us often rings truer and provides a more objective measure of our worth.
This passage directly addresses the concept, stating 'For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends,' echoing Proverbs' emphasis on external validation over self-praise.
John 8:54Jesus himself declares, 'If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me,' aligning with the Proverb's wisdom that true honor doesn't come from one's own declaration.
Matthew 6:1-4Jesus warns against performing righteous deeds to be seen and praised by others, highlighting the danger and emptiness of seeking human applause rather than God's approval.
1 Samuel 12:3When Samuel is questioned by the Israelites, he defends his integrity by appealing to the people's knowledge of his righteous leadership, showing a rare instance where self-vindication, if framed properly, can be acceptable.
2 Corinthians 11:16-33Paul, while often reluctant to boast, recounts his hardships and achievements out of necessity to counter false apostles, demonstrating that self-commendation can be permissible for the sake of truth and the gospel, though it's a path approached with caution.
pooleProverbs 27:2: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
Except it be really necessary, either for thy own just vindication, or for the honour of God, or for the edification of others, in which cases this hath been allowed and practised by wise and virtuous men, as particularly by St. Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:12 .
ellicottProverbs 27:2: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
(2) Let another man ( zar ) praise thee . . . a stranger ( nokhrî ) .—As to the difference between these words, see above on Proverbs 2:16 . A higher consideration than this is suggested in 2Corinthians 10:18 .
The verse doesn't just say "don't brag," but subtly highlights the credibility that comes from external praise. It implies that praise from someone else, especially a stranger who has no vested interest, carries far more weight and authenticity than anything you could ever say about yourself. True worth, the proverb suggests, is recognized and affirmed by others, not self-declared.
This proverb sits within a collection of wisdom that encourages genuine character and humility. It’s part of a broader discussion in Proverbs about wise living, contrasting the righteous path with foolishness. The verses around it offer practical advice on relationships, managing anger, and the importance of truth, all pointing toward a life that earns authentic respect rather than seeking it through self-promotion.
This proverb sits within a collection of wisdom that encourages genuine character and humility. It’s part of a broader discussion in Proverbs about wise living, contrasting the righteous path with foolishness. The verses around it offer practical advice on relationships, managing anger, and the importance of truth, all pointing toward a life that earns authentic respect rather than seeking it through self-promotion.
"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips." — The verse doesn't just say "don't brag," but subtly highlights the credibility that comes from external praise. It implies that praise from someone else, especially a stranger who has no vested int…
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Last reviewed October 2026